Residents of Edo State are set to benefit from a new road safety initiative spearheaded by AutoVision Initiative in collaboration with the Sen. Monday Okpebholo Foundation (SMOF). The program will provide free Smart AI Driving Glasses with comprehensive eye screenings to car buyers in the state.
In addition to this, the partnership aims to sponsor free eye screenings for 100,000 road users in Edo State over the next five years.
The initiative, according to AutoVision, is designed to significantly improve road safety by equipping drivers with cutting-edge technology and addressing vision-related issues. Desmond Bassey, Lead Consultant for AutoVision, explained during a press briefing in Benin City on Friday that the program will work in conjunction with car vendors, eye clinics, and NGOs to ensure that more people have access to the vision care they need for safer driving.
“Many road accidents occur due to poor vision,” Bassey stated. “This initiative aims to reduce those risks by ensuring drivers have access to advanced smart eyewear technology and free access to eye screening that enhances visibility and overall driving comfort.”
The Smart AI Driving Glasses provided through the program feature advanced blue lens technology to reduce glare and improve vision. They also boast smart features such as direct access to chat with eye doctors, hands-free phone calling, language translation, and music playback, offering drivers a comprehensive suite of tools to enhance their driving experience.
According to Bassey, the SMOF subsidy makes the Smart AI Driving Glasses more accessible to car buyers in Edo State. The initiative also extends support to the glaucoma community.
“Access to the AutoVision initiative and benefits is completely free after purchasing a car. This ensures that those living with glaucoma can drive safely without extra financial burden,” Bassey noted.
He also added that individuals without glaucoma are eligible to participate, provided they make a minimum contribution towards supporting individuals living with glaucoma. This donation must be completed before proceeding with the application after purchasing a car.
AutoVision will connect donors, including auto dealers, eye clinics, and NGOs, with beneficiaries, ensuring all car buyers have access to eye screening and high-quality, AI-powered smart glasses.
The application process will commence at the point of purchase at participating car vendors, with representatives available to assist buyers. “AutoVision initiative will collaborate with partners nationwide to enhance accessibility and road safety, while remaining independent of car pricing decisions,” Bassey clarified. “We also work with trusted donors and partner vendors to ensure that cars are sold at fair market prices and in optimal working conditions.”
Individuals referred through the AutoVision initiative will also receive exclusive discounts when purchasing vehicles from the partner network.
“We are inviting car dealers, eye clinics, and key stakeholders to join our initiative in enhancing road safety and promoting better vision for drivers,” Bassey concluded. “By participating, partners can contribute to reducing vision-related accidents and making driving safer and more comfortable for Nigerians.”
